Muskoka OnStage is the new collaboration between the Bracebridge and Huntsville Rotary Clubs and the Huntsville Festival of the Arts. It announced in May of this year that its first offering would be a production of the musical Mamma Mia! in the Spring of 2019. That decision was the easiest one the fledgling organization had to make, as its members then had to discuss how to do it in a way that built on the many successes each of the organizations has experienced over the years, in presenting their own community musicals.

There was, however, unanimous agreement that a key decision going forward was the identification of a Director who was prepared to guide the process. A Call for Directors was therefore sent out in June with a deadline of early July. Not surprisingly, given the artistic talent in the area, Muskoka OnStage received five applications for the position, each one from an individual who brought exceptional talents and expertise to the table. Following an interview process, and further discussion, Muskoka OnStage is very pleased to announce that Wayne Noble has been offered, and accepted, the challenge of bringing Mamma Mia! to life on both the Bracebridge and Huntsville stages.

Wayne has an extensive Directorial resumé, that includes seventeen musicals and over thirty plays, and he lists Mamma Mia! as one of the musicals that he is most excited to have the opportunity to direct. He is presently stage managing a professional production of As You Like It for Theatre Georgian Bay in Collingwood and his most recent directorial position was the sold-out production of Chicago at the Orillia Opera House last November.

Wayne will meet with the Muskoka OnStage committee in early August to further expand on his vision for the play, and discuss thoughts on a production team, casting and how he sees the development of the production over the next eight months. It has been decided that auditions will be held in both Bracebridge and Huntsville on October 13 & 14 and rehearsals will commence mid November. The musical will run for seven performances in Bracebridge in late February/early March and for seven performances at the end of March in Huntsville. Muskoka OnStage is aware that excitement regarding this new venture is building throughout the local theatre community, so details of these dates will be shared over the coming weeks, in various media.

Neil Barlow, chair of the Muskoka OnStage organizing committee, says that these are exciting times for musical theatre in Muskoka!